AboutJulie Silber Expertise I can speak to the age, design, style, region, history, and value of antique quilts.
Experience Forty years as an appraiser, dealer, historian, collector, consultant and museum curator in the area of QUILTS MADE BEFORE 1950.
Organizations American Quilt Study Group (former Board Member); Alliance for the American Quilt (Former Board Member)
Publications Author or co-author of several award winning books on Quilt History; numerous articles on quilt history published over a 30 year period. Details upon request.
Education/Credentials B.A., American History, University of Michigan; Post Graduate courses in folklore, history and art history
Past/Present Clients Esprit de Corp., San Francisco; Levi Strauss, San Francisco; Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI; Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR
Question QUESTION: Hi,
I recently purchased an Amish quilt on ebay...(here is the item number in case you want to see it-360068102590 as it won't let me copy a piture into this box) My question is how can I tell if its Amish hand quilted? It almost appears as if there is no or very little batting/polyester? inbetween.
I appreciate whatever advice you can give me and or your time.
Thanks,
Eileen
ANSWER: Hi Eileen,
I wrote an answer to you but I think it my have gotten deleted. Have you received it? Please let me know -- I will re-wrtie if necessary.
Thanks,
Julie Silber
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Is there a way to tell if this quilt is an authentic Amish quilt...are there ways to tell? Such as the batting, if so, what type, amount? I'm trying to educate myself as I'd like to get more but don't want to be purchasing quilts from chain stores. Appreciate your time and expertise.
Answer Hi Eileen,
I am happy to help you if I possibly can. I happen to be an expert on antique Amish quilts, but I don't know much about any made after about 1960.
I do not think there is any way to know if a quilt has been made by an Amish person or people, except the obvious -- seeing an Amish person working on it.
I read the eBay listing -- and the seller is saying, or at least implying, that this was made by an Amish person. Did you ask the seller directly who made the quilt? Do you trust that seller?
I have been selling antique quilts on eBay for almost 11 years. I know very well that there are more and less trustworthy sellers there.
I don't know the particular seller of your quilt, but I see that the seller has an almost perfect feedback record.
I wish I could be more helpful to you. If there is any more I can do, please let me know.
All best,
Julie Silber
The Quilt Complex
POB 729
Albion, CA 95410
quiltcomplex@hughes.net
